Return to the Capital

"Fine, then it's settled. You'd better prepare the silver. Don't come crying poverty to us when the time comes."

Liu Yulong rubbed his sore buttocks and glared viciously at Jun Wushang.

Although Jun Wushang had shown mercy with that kick just now, he had already resolved to return the favor someday.

"That's right. We can eat a lot."

"And prepare plenty of wine, too."

The others chimed in, teasing him.

"Don't worry. There'll be enough steamed buns and pickles!" Jun Wushang raised his brows with a wicked grin and made a gesture meaning eat all you want. "Unlimited refills of plain water!"

"Stingy."

"Cheapskate."

"Skinflint."

Qin Shuang and the others all raised their middle fingers at him.

Jun Wushang simply ignored their protests.

After they finished packing up.

Wei Qing set out on the road back to the capital.

He had come alone, but he was returning with two companions.

Apart from Jun Wushang, Zhang Xue had also been ordered by her parents to go to the capital and visit her future mother-in-law.

Jun Wushang wholeheartedly approved.

At the city gates.

Watching the departing figures of Wei Qing and the others.

Qin Shuang sighed, "When we meet again, I wonder how far Brother Wei's strength will have advanced?"

"We'll know when we meet again." Liu Yulong fanned himself with his bone fan, appearing unconcerned, though a trace of resolve flashed in his eyes.

"We have to work hard too. Otherwise, when the age of chaos arrives, all that awaits us will be endless regret." Nangong Ruyan's voice was heavy.

"That's right. This trip to the Black Mist Wasteland finally let me see the terrifying side of the demons."

"When I return to the sect, I'll apply to go train. My first stop will be the Imperial City."

"Damn, that's a good idea. Count me in."

"Me too."

Wei Qing had never imagined that the day of their parting would come so soon.

Imperial City, Heavenly Realm Division.

After hearing Zhou Kai's account, Zhou Cang froze for a moment.

A Seventh Rank had scared off a Fifth Rank!

A Seventh Rank had comprehended an esoteric meaning!

If he had not known Zhou Kai's character, he would definitely have slapped him across the mouth.

How dare he lie in front of him? Wasn't he just asking for a beating?

"What, you still don't believe me? The Night Snack Guard in Qingcheng should send the news over soon. You'll know then." Zhou Kai seemed to have anticipated Zhou Cang's reaction and added this explanation.

"That boy Wei Qing is even more terrifying than Old Wei... Tsk, tsk, Old Wei really is incredible. If my son had even half of Wei Qing's talent, I'd laugh myself awake in my sleep."

Zhou Kai's son had failed to master martial arts and could only take the Literary Path in the end.

"By the way, have you heard anything about Old Wei?"

At the mention of Wei Yuan, Zhou Kai's excitement instantly faded, and he asked in a solemn tone.

"No news has come yet. Lord Dantai hasn't returned." Zhou Cang gently shook his head, then smiled. "The good are protected by Heaven. I believe nothing will happen to Old Wei."

"When he comes back and sees how outstanding Qingzi is, the corners of his mouth will reach the heavens."

"Of course." Zhou Kai swept away his gloomy mood and nodded emphatically. "Qingzi has always been his greatest pride."

"By the way, I heard that Wei Lin has gotten involved with the Third Prince."

"If Qingzi comes back this time, won't that mean he'll have to face the Third Prince?"

Zhou Cang rubbed his brow with a headache. That was precisely what worried him. "We'll take it one step at a time."

"If it's a family matter, even the Imperial Family can't say much."

"Besides, our Heavenly Realm Division serves His Majesty."

At the same time.

A night owl slowly flew into the Heavenly Realm Division.

After removing the letter, the Night Owl Guard on duty glanced at the mark on it and hurried toward the inner hall.

Su Henian sat at a desk, analyzing a piece of intelligence.

The Night Owl Guard on duty trotted into the inner hall. "My lord, intelligence from Qingcheng. Class A Mark."

"Bring it here."

"Yes."

After taking the intelligence and seeing its contents, Su Henian abruptly stood up. His pupils contracted beneath his mask.

After checking the intelligence repeatedly, he waved away the Night Owl Guard on duty.

He hurried toward the council hall with the intelligence in hand.

Inside the council hall.

Nangong Yu said, "We'll settle the matter this way for now. If anything changes later, I'll inform you."

"All right."

Xie Yun, Shen Hanbing, and Lin Wantang all nodded.

Just as the three of them were about to rise and leave, Su Henian strode into the council hall.

The three sat back down. They had not seen the Smiling Face Su Henian lose his composure like this in many years.

They all wanted to know what news could be so shocking.

"Division Chief, we just received word from the Night Owl Guard in Qingcheng."

As he spoke, Su Henian handed the intelligence in his grasp to Nangong Yu.

Nangong Yu took the intelligence.

He unfolded it.

After seeing the contents, Nangong Yu was also startled.

Then he passed the intelligence to Xie Yun and the other two.

Everyone who read the intelligence was stunned by its contents.

A Seventh Rank had severed a Fifth Rank's arm and scared off a Fifth Rank Initial Stage expert.

A Seventh Rank had comprehended two different esoteric meanings—attack and speed.

He had ventured into the Black Mist Wasteland and rescued disciples from numerous sect powers in Jizhou Prefecture.

The letter recorded in detail everything Wei Qing had experienced recently.

"Heh heh, our Garrison Department has produced a Peerless Prodigy." Xie Yun's voice was brimming with barely restrained excitement, as though every word were leaping for joy.

"I like this kid." A sharp gleam flickered in Shen Hanbing's eyes. "How about lending him to me for a few days?"

"Get lost!" Xie Yun roared, making the roof tiles of the council hall seem to tremble. "Do you think this kid is a demon? Every demon I've caught before and handed to you has ended up dead or crippled within three days."

"If you dare set your sights on him, I'll fight you to the death."

"Hey, why are you so worked up? I guarantee I'll return him to you safe and sound this time."

"Your guarantee is worth nothing."

The moment he heard the word "guarantee," Xie Yun could not help retorting.

In the past, whenever something had passed through Shen Hanbing's "guarantee," it had ended up either dead or crippled.

"With this kid's talent, his future stage will certainly be that place. After fifteen years, Great Zhou has finally produced another one." Lin Wantang's eyes were filled with anticipation for Wei Qing.

At the mention of "that place," the other four present fell slightly silent, a trace of reminiscence appearing on their faces.

Back then, every one of them had fought at that place.

If not for the accident that befell the Previous Emperor of Great Zhou, they should still have been fighting there now.

"Mm." Su Henian nodded in complete agreement. "By my calculation, recruitment for the next batch will begin in another two years. The Heavenly Realm Division's resources can now be tilted toward him, allowing him to mature as quickly as possible."

Xie Yun was the first to voice his support. "Agreed."

Shen Hanbing nodded lightly. "No objections!"

Seeing this, Nangong Yu nodded slightly. "Good. Since none of you object, once he returns, we'll begin the selection ahead of schedule!"